Chairman of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and former President of Tanzania, Dr Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, officially concluded the party’s election campaign across five constituencies in Zanzibar, beginning the day by paying tribute to two late veteran CCM leaders with whom he shared a long political journey spanning nearly five decades. 

Dr Kikwete visited the graves of the late Mohamed Seif Khatib, the first Chairman of the CCM Youth League (UVCCM) following the formation of CCM in 1977, and the late Ramadhani Abdallah Shaaban, one of the party’s pioneering leaders. 

He later addressed campaign rallies in the constituencies of Tunguu, Chwaka, Uzini, Paje and Makunduchi, culminating in a major public meeting at Ghana School in Uzini, Central District. 

Addressing supporters, Dr Kikwete thanked CCM members for entrusting him with the responsibility of closing the campaign in Uzini, a constituency he described as holding special personal significance because of his close friendship with the late Mohamed Seif Khatib. 

Recalling their friendship, which began in 1977 after his transfer to Zanzibar, Dr Kikwete reflected on their shared political journey, years of public service and enduring comradeship, while urging Tanzanians to continue praying for the departed leaders.